At a defense exhibition in London, Volvo Defense unveiled a new partnership with Nordic Air Defence, a Swedish startup specializing in anti-drone systems. The collaboration focuses on developing VIPRO, a counter-unmanned aerial system (c-UAS) designed for integration onto Volvo’s tactical vehicles. The system is slated for release in 2026.
VIPRO will feature the Kreuger 100XR interceptor, a system engineered by Nordic Air Defence. Mounted on Volvo trucks in pod launchers, the interceptor boasts a range of over 3 kilometers. It leverages artificial intelligence for autonomous detection and tracking, ensuring fast response against drone threats. Its modular design further allows adaptability across naval, aerial, and land-based platforms, extending its application beyond vehicle-mounted systems.
The initiative reflects the urgent need to counter low-cost drone warfare. In the Ukraine conflict, inexpensive drones—some costing under $1,000—have inflicted significant losses by targeting tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles. NATO assessments suggest drones have been responsible for nearly two-thirds of Russia’s destroyed vehicles.
These trends underscore the risk faced by logistics trucks and troop transports, vital assets for moving supplies and personnel. Sweden itself has reinforced its reliance on such vehicles, with the Defence Materiel Administration ordering 775 trucks from Volvo and Scania earlier this year. The VIPRO project aims to directly address these vulnerabilities, equipping military fleets with enhanced protection against drone attacks.
